Portret van Emma, koningin-regentes der Nederlanden 1890 - 1895

This portrait of Queen Emma, Regent of the Netherlands, was created by Johannes Walter. Its meticulous lines and stark contrasts of light and shadow immediately convey a sense of formality and contained power. The composition is rigidly structured: Queen Emma stands almost centrally, framed by dark drapery on one side and the ornate edge of a table on the other. This careful arrangement creates a visual balance, reinforcing her composed demeanor. The lines of her gown and the cascading veil direct the eye vertically, emphasizing her regal stature, yet the softness of the veil creates a counterpoint to the rigidity of the overall design. Walter’s use of engraving underscores a key aspect of representation: how an image can convey authority through detail and control. In this context, the portrait serves not merely as a likeness but as a statement of power, meticulously constructed and carefully presented for public consumption.